Mexican special forces assassinated Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel, triggering deadly retaliation strikes that murdered 25 National Guard troops in six separate events, authorities said Monday.
Following Sunday’s operation in Oseguera’s home state of Jalisco, cartel members resorted to widespread violence, blocking roads, torching vehicles, and targeting security forces.
According to Security Secretary Omar GarcÃa Harfuch, around 30 criminal suspects were killed in Jalisco and four more in nearby Michoacan.
A prison guard, state prosecutor’s agent, and an unidentified woman also died.
A notorious kingpin falls
“El Mencho,” as Oseguera was known, led one of Mexico’s fastest-growing criminal networks trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine to the United States.
He died after a firefight in wooded terrain, along with two bodyguards, while being airlifted to Mexico City.
US role and aftermath
The White House confirmed providing intelligence support for the operation.
Several states canceled school Monday as authorities cleared over 250 cartel roadblocks across 20 states. President Claudia Sheinbaum urged calm.
